Silent Hiking the John Muir Trail for 21 days 

► Want to join me on trail? Join the 2024 group trip! harmenhoek.com/grouphike/ ► Do you want to support these films or learn more about behind-the-scenes? patreon.com/harmenhoek ► Interested in doing this trek: www.thatch.co/guide/pn4dewuv7ygg/view Hope you all enjoyed this film! This was the longest and most remote hike I've done so far. It was a beast to edit, taking me several weeks to complete. Before going on this hike, I never had a clear answer when people asked me 'what is your favorite hike?'. But after completing the JMT, I can say that the JMT is my favorite hike in the world. It has all the elements of a good trek - beautiful nature, remoteness, solitude and wilderness. What amazes me is that you can hike over 350 kilometer through the Sierras without crossing a single road or passing a single building. Especially if you realize that within a 350-kilometer radius over 40 million people live! That's conservation! Here are some random facts and more chapter markers I thought you might enjoy: 0:56 Day 1 - Yosemite Valley & Half Dome 2:08 It's rare to see the cables without people! The secret: go just before sunset. 3:27 RightOnTrek.com was so nice to provide me with a bunch of meals for this trip! However, I mistakenly assumed I could eat them out of the bag, they are best enjoyed and ready faster after cooking in a pot. 3:40 Day 2 - Sunrise Meadows & Cathedral Lakes 5:09 Compare this shot, to to this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rqkMiisWdEg.htmlsi=MJOUbM_0iKcwHm2d&t=420 5:22 Compare this campsite, to this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rqkMiisWdEg.htmlsi=mcHKPqufOq09_LGV&t=669 6:28 Day 3 - Tuolumne Meadows & Lyell Canyon 7:18 This is a Belding Ground Squirrel. In late summer you only see the young adults under 2 years of age. The aldults are already in their wintersleep by then. 9:49 Day 4 - Donohue Pass & 1000 Island Lake 12:56 Day 5 - Alpine lakes & rain 14:46 I honestly enjoyed the rain, especially from a filmmaking standpoint: blue skies for 4 days is not very cinematic. 16:31 Day 6 - Devil's Postpile & Mammoth Lakes 18:36 Day 7 - John Muir Wilderness 18:38 This is officially not the JMT, but a (more beautiful) detour via Duck Pass merging with the JMT at Duck Lake. 19:32 Day 8 - Duck Pass, Lake Virginia & Tully Hole 23:03 Day 9 - Silver Pass & Bear Ridge 24:38 This was one of my favorite campsites on the JMT. I spotted it just down the trail when taking a short brake in the afternoon. When I saw it, I couldn't keep going, so I decided to make it a very short day and enjoy the beauty of this campsite. 26:41 Day 10 - Marie Lake, Seldon Pass, Muir Trail Ranch & Blaney Hot Springs 30:44 Day 11 - Sequoia National Park 31:52 This is Scott, a good friend of mine and the 'Sierra Expert'. Check out his work on www.youtube.com/@Sheety33. 32:45 Day 12 - Goddard Canyon, Evolution Valley & Wanda Lake 35:23 This is Wanda Lake just below Muir's pass, named after John Muir's daughter. The lake on the other side of the pass (38:10) is named after his other daughter: Helen. 36:33 Day 13 - Muir Pass, Le Conte Valley, Bishop Pass & Bishop 37:24 The Muir Hut on Muir Pass is the only pass hut on the JMT. 41:28 Day 15 - Bishop Lake & snow 42:46 I'm layering 2 quilts together here. A synethic quilt below with a down quilt on top. The best way to stay warm at -7ºC (19ºF). 44:12 Day 16 - Bishop Pass, Golden Staircase & Palaside Lakes 45:15 #TeamShorts 46:33 Compare this shot with 39:21. 47:21 This is the Golden Staircase - a marvel of trail engineering characterized by its steep switchbacks through narrow canyons. This segment stands as the last part of the JMT to be completed, a full 22 years after the trail officially opened. 48:07 I'm packing up my tent again. While pitching my tent the wind started picking up to the point where my tent started collapsing. With only rocks to secure my tent and an exposed spot, I decided to move my tent to a more sheltered spot. 48:26 Day 17 - Mather Pass (3,396m, 11,138ft) & Pinchot Pass (3,422m, 11,226ft) 52:24 Day 18 - Rae Lakes & Glenn Pass 54:20 Seeing a helicopter in the Sierras is rare. They only fly for search and rescue operations, to drop supplies at ranger stations once a year and pick up trash from ranger stations once a year. The latter was the case here. 57:24 Day 19 - Forester Pass (4,009m, 13,153ft) & Bighorn Plateau 58:29 This is a pika. One of the only animals in the Sierras that doesn't hibernate. Instead, they collect grass and flowers during the summer (you see them often with a flower in their mouth - so cute) that they store under talus (large boulder fields). All winter they live under the talus with several meters of snow above them. 1:00:03 The descent from Forester Pass is quite an engineering marvel. The trail is blasted out of the granite and makes an almost impossible gentle way down to the valley floor. 1:00:40 This is a (dead) Foxtail Pine. A rare pine at only grow in California in Sequioa Kings Canyon National Parks and surrounding forests. On the JMT it's only seen south of Forester Pass. 1:02:40 Day 20 - Mount Whitney 1:05:30 You might recognize the last 2 songs from this film, they are identical as the last 2 songs from my Yosemite film. It was in Sierra Mountains where my backpacking adventures started, and that place holds a special place in my heart. 1:07:46 It was freezing cold. Just after sunset all the mosture on my quilts turned into ice crystals almost instantly (flash freezing). Temperatures dropped far below zero that night, but it was so worth being up there. Once in bed I stared at the night sky for over an hour before even attempting to sleep. There was a perfect silence, not a single breeze out there. And since I was alone, I can say I was the highest person in the contiguous USA that night (and most likely also in the all of North America). (; 1:08:11 Day 21 - Sunrise on Mount Whitney 1:09:51 What followed was a long 2,200m descent down to Whitney Portal via hundreds of switchbacks. A beautiful section, but I didn't film any of it. Mount Whitney is the official end of the JMT, so I wanted the film to end there, not at an anti-climaxal trailhead.

Hi Harman. I’m currently battling a rare and aggressive blood cancer in hospital and it’s been truly awful. Your films are helping me to relax and escape. You have no idea how much they are keeping me sane. Thank you!

Silent hiking videos are all over the place on RU-vid these days, but yours rise well above the rest. It feels like every single sequence has been thought out and has a distinct purpose - rather than just "camera on tripod, walk through the frame." The dedication to capture some of your wide shots and walk several hundred meters away does not go unnoticed. And, somehow each video keeps getting better. You're inspiring me to want to attempt my own silent videos. Well done, mate, and congratulations on your success.

I'm 80 and I spent most of my younger hiking years in Sierra Nevada range around Mt. Whitney. I estimate I've been on Mt. Whitney Peak a min of 40 times. It is a piece of me. Thank you for the "no words" production. It said more than all the words could offer. It brought back many memories. I loved it.

Harmen deserves an academy award for cinematography (and another prize for his physical efforts to obtain these shots), even though this is not a narrative film. Hats off to you Sir! 🥲

To carry all that weight on the back... going all the back and forth, leaving the camera all behind for the perfect shots for all of us is not a that easy and simple. This is an incredible great job sir and only those can understand who loves hiking.. Big salute and respect sir... Thank you for this and all your work. cant wait for you next adventure .

Its not the number of breathes that define your life. Its the number of moments that take your breath away. This video has a lot of them. Thanks and God bless you. ❤

As a geologist who mapped the rocks of the St. Elias Mtns and the Juneau Icefields with the GSC many years ago before they were National Parks, I hope many who watch this can appreciate that this is someone who has lived, not just existed. It shows.

In 1968, I was 15 years old with two brothers, an uncle, plus four friends, and my father, having hiked from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney, lasting 28 days. We slept on top of Mt. Whitney and saw also the sunset and sunrise shadows that Mt. Whitney creates in the distant atmosphere, like you showed. In September 2015, I hiked with my son on the Sequoia High Sierra Trail to stand on top of Mt. Whitney a second time. Thanks for renewing many memories of the JMT.

I hiked the JMT with friends in 2001. The quality of this video in terms of capturing the experience is just amazing. Thank you for allowing me to revisit one of the best experiences of my life. Not only are you having amazing outdoor adventures, but you are sharing some of the most beautiful places on the planet with the rest of the world. This is like a public service. Hat's off to you sir.

Harmen, I’m 63 years old, and it is practically impossible for me to hike the sierra now due to my health. I did not find the mountains until my 40’s. It’s very moving to watch your videos, as for me these are sacred places etched into my heart. There is a trail out of Virginia Lakes that goes into the Hoover Wilderness via an unnamed pass. Standing at the top of the pass affords a view of the Hoover and a couple other lakes. It’s is an expansive view across a large valley and over to mountains about 5 miles in the distance that rip open clouds. It looks right into the heart of Hoover Wilderness. If you ever have a chance I encourage you to go there. If you do please record it for the world. I’d love to see it one more time. Thank you for bringing us these videos. 🖖

Am I the only one who had the urge to applaud at the end?? Simply the entire video is phenomenal, as if I was watching a high-budget documentary

Had a blast hiking together my friend - the best way to spend the end of the Summer season. The high effort shots in this film are outstanding! Amazing cinematography once again!

My son is sick with the flu sleeping on the couch next to me. I needed something quiet to watch. “Silent hiking” seemed to be a good choice. But holy cow man, this was so much more than just hiking along silently. This was an absolute adventure and you took us right along. I was absolutely captivated and watched every minute. All these different camera angles are NOT easy to get, and I’m blown away by the effort you put into this. You may have lit somethin in me sitting on this couch. I’m already looking thru your gear list. 😂

This is most likely one of the best hiking videos that can be seen, hard to put into words its pure enjoyment. Thanks Harmen for your films, they are very valuable to me, very inspiring.

As an American. I teared up with pride reading; “This is my favorite hike in the world.” I’ve done a fair bit of backpacking in the states. Mostly Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. And, I’m always blown away by people that can create these videos. I understand how much work it must be. I often think. I would have to stop. Set up a camera. And, rehike this section, or cross this river multiple times to capture this. I love your channel. I stumbled across it while researching a trip to Norway. And, I’m so thankful I did. I retire next year, and have many backpacking trips planned, all over the world. And, I am so thankful for your channel as a source of inspiration.

you're the best silent hiker on youtube! you deserve so many more subscribers

Thank you once again Harmon...beautiful. Your dedication to the wilderness and showing it....and your talent with photography and film is very much appreciated. Please keep on doing what your doing.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” ― John Muir

The visuals in this production are stunning and so expertly captured and edited. We have come to expect that from Harmen. In addition there is the wonderful soundtrack and the ambient sounds. Sometimes I listen to that while I am working at my desk. It helps me to stay focused and calm. Beautiful, beautiful.

Beautiful work Harmen! Watching your videos feels like meditating 😄

Quite a Journey! There are plenty of good RU-vidrs, but just one Harmen.

Thank you for giving me one of the most peaceful and inspirational hours I can recall.

Fantastic production! I’m a long time backpacker, and I’ve done the Sierra High Route through the same corridor and region of the Sierras as the JMT and I’ve spent many many other nights in the Sierras . This film really captures the essence of traversing the wilderness. I clicked on it expecting to watch 5 or 10 minutes and then watched the whole hour+ film 😂. Wonderfully done!

This is the most stunning video of a JMT hike I’ve seen. Absolutely beautiful. I was so captivated, I watched it twice in a row. Thank you so much for sharing.

Your undertaking, your accomplishment, this film…awesome, breathtaking.

The best John Muir trail video so far!! Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

This is more than a RU-vid channel, this is art.

Incredible videography, such a talent, framing, angles, light, editing etc., just loved it. I could watch this over and over again and not get bored. One of the best silent hiking videos. Thank you

This video is simply amazing! The more I watch the better it gets. The views are mesmerizing… you have inspired me to get out of this depression and out there into the world. Thank you so much man. Keep doing what you’re doing, keep inspiring and bringing us amazing stories of our planet. 🌎

I truly love these films. In the words of Thoreau, "It is in vain to dream of a wilderness distant from ourselves." Thank you.

Your photography is beyond beautiful. thank you for sharing these majestic films !

I am an avid backpacker and take my own videos of my treks as well... this my friend, is a fantastic video 💯 My stuff looks so amateur in comparison. Keep up the strong work brother!! Truly beautiful and aww inspiring!!

I've trekked in many remote parts of the world - but never bothered or took the time to film my experiences - they reside only in memory and body) - this back and forth to collect cameras must be so much work ... all to provide us with this superb, seamless masterpice. Thanks very much Harmen. You are an artisan of the highest order. Deepest respect from Downunder.

my dude you are the brightest star of youtube

I love the animal scenes! ❤

Just when I thought Harmen Hoek couldn't do any better, bam! You defy all odds in your travels and inspire us to see nature in an untamed, raw realness that makes us feel connected to the earth and the universe in a deeply intimate way. Kudos! Can't wait to see your next adventure.

Brilliant video. My wife and I did the JMT North to South twenty years ago with one resupply at the Vermillion Valley camp ground. Your super photography and editing, and the absence of commentary made this by some distance the best JMT video we've watched. 👋👋👋

Another finely crafted epic adventure production. The amount of work that goes into the camera setups, take downs, new setups, take downs is staggering. Then there is post-production. I lose myself in these videos. Turn the TV and phone off and shut off the lights and enter a world most will never see or experience. I just wish I could smell the embracing nature, feel the breeze, the snapping cold, the growing warmth of the rising sun, but my memories help with that . Thanks so much for this special treat. A true experience. Especially for one who can no longer hit the trail.

This video is truly extraordinary and captivating. Watching it has been an immensely peaceful experience, as if I were transported to witness the breathtaking beauty and magnificence of nature firsthand. The most beautiful video I’ve ever seen on RU-vid honestly. Thank you so much. 😊

I like how you cross fade your audio (streams, wind, nature) between scenes instead of a jarring cut into the next one. I’m sure it takes extra effort to do that every time but it is a very nice touch. Thanks!

One of the most beautiful hiking films I have ever watched, simply amazing 👏

The lack of drone and slider really brought out the creativity in your shots. Loved it!

Watched this last night with my 23 year old...we loved it...the footage is amazing. As a Californian, I'm so fortunate to live in a state with such variation and awesome beauty. This video well reminded me of that fact. I have been lucky enough to hike into the High Sierra...so it was nice to see places where I have been---places like Bishop Pass and (I believe I saw) Dusy Basin--captured so beautifully. Thank you.

The ending gave me goosebumps. Thank you Harmen for filming the majestic and beautiful JMT. One day, I hope to complete the JMT just as you did. God bless!

The Majesty of color and panoramic views, just awesome mister. I had a great time watching your film. Thank you Harmen.

Harmen, You not only undertook this incredible journey, but with your magnificent videos you gave us a taste of it too. Thank you.

While other famous hikers on RU-vid change their ways to make more $$$, you stay true to your filming styles and self. I did JMT in 2006; we didn't have to exit back then; stashed the food in the bear box in Kearsarge + resupplied at Vermillion Valley Resort, and moved on. A lot of people left their food in bear boxes that they changed their resupply rules (what a shame). I cannot stop watching this video🤩.. what a treat! Thank you Harmen!🙏🙏

You deserve an Oscar for your photography.

Beautiful. This gives me hope to keep on living, knowing that such peace can be acquired, and it's available now, anywhere. Makes you think that it's not all about the beautiful view, but rather a glimpse of the soul we carry. In such a pungently gorgeous natural enviroment, looking outwards is just a paradoxical way of seeing within.

Harmen every time you leave us speechless.Your each shot is live meditation.You are GOAT…God Of All Time In Trekkers 🙏Hats off to your photography

Harmen...welcome back to California...my home. Your cinematography and "b-roll" are second to none. My favorite images were of the beautiful alpine lake when there was no wind and the reflection off of the mountains was pure magic. Thank you for showing the world just how beautiful the JMT is and I hope you will return often. Warmest regards!

What's up Mountain Goat! Epic video, worth the wait. It was an honor to give you a ride down from Whitney Portal🏔

Incredible work. I am no filmmaker but this was a cinematic journey with a tremendous effort. Few videos touched me and gave me such sense of wanderlust like this one - chapeaux!

Psalm 19 Die Himmel verkünden die Herrlichkeit Gottes, und das Himmelsgewölbe zeigt, dass es das Werk seiner Hände ist. Ein Tag erzählt es dem anderen, und eine Nacht gibt es der anderen weiter. Sie tun es ohne Worte, kein Laut und keine Stimme ist zu hören. So wahr. So unglaublich schön.

Absolutely stunning. Your videos continue to get better. Thank you doesn't capture the gratitude I have for these videos, they provide me with so much peace and inspiration. I hope they never end.

I hiked the JMT 30+ years ago. When it wasn't as popular to do now. Fantastic video. The only thing that missing is the communication that happens on the trail. Information is shared and passed between hikers that really gives a sense of camaraderie. Then Sierras are special. Thank you for sharing.

I live just a three-hour drive to this trail, and haven't hiked it! Now I will.

Thank you for helping us see the beauty of creation through your eyes. As always, magnificent. All of it. Side note: I too also enjoy seeing and hearing the sounds of that first cup of coffee in the morning….. while watching nature… why could be better!

I can't even start to imagine the amount of work, between setting up the camera, then walking back and walking again toward/in front to record the scene. Plus all the post work etc. Really an incredible quality work this video. Great stuff, hope you are happy with the result!

In a year when I saw far fewer JMT videos than normal, I come across this gem. Harmen, this is one of the finest videos of a JMT trip I have seen and I've been watching them for many years. Great videos!! Taking the time to walk parts of the trail 3 times to get shots of you walking the trail...wow. I extremely appreciate that you let the video speak for itself and not be like so many chatterbox videos....even the music worked out well which I am usually not a fan of. One thing I was very aware of was that you took the time to video the little things on the trail...wildlife, flowers, animals and just tremendous scenery. You did very, very well sir. Happy trails to you.

3 summer ago, I spent 3 weeks backpacking on the JMT through lyell canyon with the Student Conservation Association, removing illegal campsites and practicing the leave no trace policy. It was one of my most savored experiences ever and this video brought back great memories!

Wow, absolutely incredible. Literally every shot is a masterpiece. So inspiring.

I was planning and training for a thru-hike of the AT before a certain life event put the breaks on that for up to 18 years, if you know what I mean. 😉 I’m 8 years away, and still get out on the trail now and then, but videos like this one really keep that fire a blazin’. I think I have one more adventure to add to the bucket list now, too. Thank you. 🥰

I'm 21, I work blue collar but this, I have always had the calling to explore this beautiful Earth. Although with business I cannot, with your videos you truly put me into a perspective of being there. Although of course it is not the same, the breathtaking views and angles, the sounds of nature and the overall feeling of BEING there, makes it almost as if I was. Thank you Harmen for showing the world its' beauty.

Thank you for all these beautiful images and moving music from artists such as Tony Anderson, Roary and Jude Cosmo.

Awesome job. Mr “super glue”. Still going to try to meet up w you in Banff. Cheers!

This was by far the most amazing hiking video. I have seen several but this one deserves an Oscar. The filming and editing must have been a workload but the results are spectacular. Thanks for sharing. 😎🏕️🥾

Incredible quality as always with your videos. The cinematography, the amount of time you spend getting back and forth to the camera... In France, hiking channels always talk and talk to the camera. I love silent hiking, nature doesn't need any comment. Your videos are the best example of silent hiking. It really shows the genuine experience of being alone on a trail.

This has to be the best film work on an outdoor video I've seen.

Thank you for all that you do. You inspire my human spirit and bring peace to my soul.

Thank you for taking the time to make this beautiful film. As a filmmaker I know the commitment it takes. I just finished watching this with my two sons and we made a commitment to do the JMT. We don’t know when but we will.

No words for this pieces of pure and amazing Art! Unbelievable... View from Portugal, Lisbon.

Thank you from the depths of my soul. Not only are you an excellent backpacker, but you're an amazing artist as well. What you captured on film during your journey was truly remarkable.

Wow, this is by far the best JMT Video I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot ;-) Incredible work. Your endless editing was absolutely worth it. John Muir would be so proud of you. This video honors his appreciation of nature in the best way I can imagine!!! Chapeau! Best regards from Germany...

thank you for your ODYSSEY Harmen!!!!🙏

Baby neefje finally let me finish the movie, stunning! Really loved this one ❤

these are so comforting to have on in the background. i wish to visit and adventure in these places myself some day. thank you for sharing.

You are an artist. I could watch your videos non-stop. Thank you for your efforts!

Incredible and mesmerising! These adjectives don't give justice to this masterpiece. You've just gained a new subscriber!

Wonderful video. I didn’t think it was possible to climb Half Dome in such nice weather without seeing another soul. Thank you for the inspiration.

Harmen, thank you very much for this splendid video, again a cinematographic piece of art. I've seen all of your 20 RU-vid silent hiking videos, and loved each of them. You prioritize the nature and its sounds, the sceneries, and the challenges of the trails, instead of you self. Thank you for all your hard work and talent for creating these wonderful visual gems. Wishing you all the best, and new amazing and safe adventures 😍💕

The most beautiful hiking adventure I have gotten to go along on with RU-vid. Thanks Harmen. Your video, music, and artistry Top everything I've seen. Congratulations!!!

Nailed it. Really shows what it is actually like. Personally, I like Sierra as in out and day hikes. If doing this starting in Sequoia. Skipping Whitney and doing Tyndall Junction Peak area. For peaks. Whitney is a good stand alone deal. Spent 5 years there and worked at Yosemite didn't put a dent in it.

The segment showing the comet was remarkable!

Echt geweldig, wat een prachtige wandeling en wat een fantastische beelden. Ik heb genoten, hartelijk dank!

Another masterpiece! Every single frame in this 1-hour-long video is polished to perfection.

Absolutely FCKN amazing 💪 Thank you. So inspiring, beautifully done JM would be proud. Teach, lead me captain. I’d love to join the trek. 🙏 I hope you are well, stay blessed.

WOW, WOW Good Job Harmen Hoek. Simply mesmerizing! Your silent hiking expedition across the magnificent John Muir Trail has left us spellbound. Your ability to immerse yourself in nature's serenity by embracing silence is awe-inspiring. Your video not only highlights the breathtaking beauty of the trail but also emphasizes the profound impact of mindfulness in our daily lives. Keep inspiring us with your captivating adventures!

Fabulous video! The beauty of the Sierras brings tears to my eyes...Thank you Harmen

Je hebt jezelf weer overtroffen Harmen. Prachtige shots van een geweldig mooie hike. Het beste 'silent hiking' materiaal op RU-vid.

now this one's a trip. very well done. some fantastic shots. have hiked to some of those places but nothing like this 21 day high country trek. quite beautiful and comforting knowing that this is nearby. a friend just did the same hike. but if it wasn't for john muir these places would now have roads, dude ranches, mines, logging camps, rich people's homes, and even chopping centers.regardless, what's disturbing is the wildlife i can't see in these videos.no bears, reptiles, cats, foxes, and very few insects or birds. i know it's mostly high country but in those valleys there should be more living things about the rocks and lakes, especially around this time of year.

I enjoyed it from the first minute to the last. Impressive, breathaking, respectfull, sincere. Perfection!

I virtually never comment on RU-vid videos, but this was outstanding. Spot on cinematography, perfect music and utterly inspiring. Makes me want to attempt it even though I’m not sure that would be the best idea.

Danke für das mitnehmen und eintauchen in eine andere Welt 🫶🍀🕘👀👋

It was one of fave ! Such motivation Just watched whole thing on tv I had to grab my phone to leave a review Thank you for awesome video!!!

WOW!! Absolutely stunning film. You make it all look so easy. Thank you for sharing such beauty. Love the wild life shots. Do you encounter bears on your travels? Happy hiking and much gratitude 🙏🏻😊

Beautiful film, as always. Thank you for taking us with you. And what a wonderful Nature... ❤ 🌲

great stuff, thanks again, I look forward to the serenity it brings me by watching your hikes

Very beautifull and very cold nights... Thank you so much for making movies for us